Everything you need to know about

Defense Innovation Acceleration

What is DIA?

The Defense Innovation Acceleration (DIA), formerly JCTD,  managed by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)), is a cornerstone initiative aimed at rapidly advancing innovative technologies to meet urgent operational needs. Its primary mission is to accelerate prototype development, ensuring that solutions can be fielded quickly to address critical gaps identified by Combatant Commands (CCMDs). DIA plays a pivotal role in bridging capability gaps between Services, fostering collaboration across the Department of Defense, and reducing technical risk during early development phases.

  • Purpose: Accelerate delivery of integrated solutions for CCMD needs.
  • Technology Readiness Level (TRL): TRL 5-7 projects with a focus on rapid, joint solutions
  • Funding: RDT&E Budget Activity 6.3 (Advanced Tech Development).
  • Cost Share: 50% minimum from non-DIA sources (industry, Service, or other DoD programs).
  • Award Size: Typically award size is $5-10M/year for up to 2yrs. (awarded projects in 2025 ranged from $489k-$128M)

Program Highlights

Purpose‍

Accelerate delivery of integrated solutions for CCMD needs

Technology Readiness Level (TRL)‍

TRL 5-7 projects with a focus on rapid, joint solutions

Funding

RDT&E Budget Activity 6.3 (Advanced Tech Development).

Cost Share‍

50% minimum from non-DIA sources (industry, Service, or other DoD programs).

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Award Size

Typically award size is $5-10M/year for up to 2yrs. (awarded projects in 2025 ranged from $489k-$128M)

Eligibility & Focus Areas

  • Must address Joint capability gaps tied to CCMD Integrated Priority Lists (IPLs)and Concept-Required Capabilities (CRCs).
  • Requires sponsorship from a Service and a Combatant Command.
  • Priority technology areas:
    • Kill Web Interoperability
    • Resilient Communications
    • Sensors and Data Analytics
    • Collaborative Multi-Domain Autonomy
    • Contested Logistics / Sustainment
    • Weapons Kinetic/Non-Kinetic Effects

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Submission Process

Artifacts Required:

  • Quad Chart
  • White Paper
  • Heilmeier Catechism responses

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Timeline:

  • Rolling submissions with quarterly reviews.
  • Annual call for proposals published via official DoD channels.

‍ proposals must be submitted by government leads (services or combatant commands)

Evaluation Criteria

When submitting a proposal, it’s critical to understand how evaluators score and prioritize submissions. Proposals are racked and stacked based on partner and SME scoring, with leadership priorities and new critical technology areas (CTAs) influencing final selections; projects outside CTAs can still be considered if they demonstrate strong value.

Key Benefits

  • Accelerated contracting and funding timelines.
  • Direct alignment with CCMD operational priorities.
  • Opportunity to transition prototypes into Programs of Record.

How to Apply

Interested in submitting a proposal? Prepare your documentation and ensure CCMD sponsorship. For templates and detailed guidance: